Frenchmen's Cove Beach

Frenchmen's Cove Beach history of celebrity connections is what initially attracts people to the beach, but it is the natural beauty that convinces them to stay. Just a few dollars gets you in for the day.

The sands and waters make it one of the prettiest on the island with a freshwater river that flows into the cove.

Located near the heart of Portland Parish, 0.8 miles east-northeast of Drapers, Frenchmen's Cove Beach is on the East coast of Jamaica. You might think about stopping by even if you are not staying in the immediate vicinity. Vacationers who seek a stunning shoreline in a secluded part of town should check out Frenchmen's Cove Beach, a pretty, but less popular part of the coast.

How to Access The Beach

Turn onto Interior Property Road off A4 to access the beach.

Amenities and Ambiance

The soft white sands and crystal clear waters make Frenchmen's Cove Beach one of the prettiest on the island. Surrounded by tropical scenery and fed by a freshwater river, Frenchmen's Cove is also both quiet and secluded.

Of course, there is also a restaurant located right on-site. There all types of dining experiences in Jamaica that visitors can partake in, but eating at the beach can be especially fun. Did you know that many hotels are able to pack picnic lunches for their guests? Otherwise, you could easily grab some of Jamaica's famous street food along the way.

Lots of visitors here find that the on-site snack bar is just fine for lunch. Depending on the season and time of day, you may also be able to buy some food from one of the mobile vendors who set up shop at the beach.

For your convenience, restrooms are available at Frenchmen's Cove Beach. Fortunately, showers are provided, so you don't have to spend the rest of the afternoon covered in sand. Visitors and locals flock to this very popular beach. While the entrance fee scares some people away, the private setting of the beach adds a touch of sophistication.

What's Nearby

Attractions

You'll find this beach on Jamaica's East coast. It is near Folly Ruins, which is located two and a half miles away, and it is among the local attractions.

The beach is one type of attraction you can visit, but there will be more options available in Jamaica. The following table includes the closest attractions.

Cities and Towns

Port Antonio is the closest town and is noted for its balance between seclusion and urbanization. From the shore, Port Antonio is a quick trip away, maybe three and a half miles (five and a half kilometers).

Hotels

The popularity of this spot on any given day can vary, depending on everything from the time the sun sets to how many hotel rooms have been booked nearby. You can typically expect to encounter a fair number of other guests who are staying close by.

Visitors will find a pretty nice range of hotel booking options to pick from in the area that encircles Frenchmen's Cove Beach. The most convenient of which are listed in the following table.

Food

When lunchtime rolls around and you start getting hungry, the area around this beach has plenty to offer, so there's no need to go too far from these sands. One of the closest places to eat is Bushbar. This restaurant has a menu featuring Jamaican cuisine. When you start to get hungry, you won't need to wait too long to eat as it's just a little ways away.

Other Beaches

Of course, you'll find plenty of other beaches in Jamaica, so Frenchmen's Cove Beach is not your only option.

Another location you might enjoy is Fairy Hill Beach, situated just a short distance away. Fairy Hill Beach attracts locals and visitors alike to its energetic shores. During the week crowds are at a minimum and snorkeling is fantastic at the small off shore reef, but bring your own equipment. A small eatery serves vegetarian and Jamaican jerk dishes for a nice afternoon snack. Others might prefer Tropical Lagoon, which could provide more action, and is closer to additional things to do and see nearby. You'll find it a mile to the east-southeast.

Travelers may also want to consider San San Beach, located a quarter mile to the east-southeast. $8(USD) will get you into this private beach that is perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the warm, shallow waters in this protected area. Near Frenchman's Cove, the atmosphere is more upscale and Princess Island, across the way, is an easy swim to a secluded island. A lunch bar and equipment rentals round out a fun beach day at San San Beach.

Of course, Jamaica has hundreds of natural wonders to discover, but a trip to Frenchmen's Cove Beach could end up a family favorite.